Part-owner Mr. Anthony Correia said: "The building is still for sale, and now that most of the equipment is gone, people can get a better idea of what it looks like inside, and the possible uses it could be put to''.

There is an estimated 3,000 square feet of space on the main level, together with a basement for storage.

Auctioneer the Hon. Leonard Gibbons, said: "There were a number of items that had reserve prices on them, and which have since been sold. There are some ongoing negotiations on certain other items.

"Some items sold for less than I expected, and others went for more than I expected.'' About 35 people, either in the bakery or restaurant business, attended the auction.

Mr. Gibbons said: "It was a full house all afternoon. We feel it was very successful.'' The real estate is advertised as prime commercial property with a retail area, production area and outdoor patio.

* * * NJ Risk management company Tillinghast has published its 1994 edition of the Captive Insurance Company Directory.

The directory lists about 3,175 single-parent and group or association captives worldwide.

The directory includes separate listings of risk retention groups and investment advisors. It also provides a worldwide listing of captive managers, detailing the number of captives under management, office staff and ownership.

An airmail delivered copy costs $190.

* * * CON The Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) has organised a seminar on Insurance Futures and Options, which will be presented by The Chicago Board of Trade.

The seminar, to be held on April 7 at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, will review the basics behind the Futures market.

It will also focus on how Futures can be an alternative supplement to the traditional reinsurance market.

It is designed for bankers, lawyers and accountants, as well as insurance personnel.

Other scheduled BII seminars include an insurance induction course, starting on March 31, and a basic accounts seminar.

* * * BUC The business world is expanding beyond borders, meaning more telephone calls may be answered by someone with a foreign accent.

The Telephone Doctor, a US telephone manners training company, offers some suggestions, that seem to Business Diary more common sense than words of wisdom.

Don't pretend to understand, but gently explain you are having trouble following the conversation, said Telephone Doctor.

Take your time and listen closely, and it will become easier to pick up on key words.

Don't shout and don't become impatient or rude. If your business brings you into contact with one ethnic group in particular, learn a few key phrases at hand in that person's native language.

* * * BUC It was a sparkling year for the diamond industry in 1993.

A record 9.7 million carats of loose, polished diamonds, valued at $4.5 billion, were imported into the US last year.

That was a 26 percent increase from 1992. U.S. exports rose 9 percent to a record 1.2 million carats, with a value of $1.44 billion.

The American Diamond Industry Association says the results are a positive economic indicator. "The diamond industry is confident American consumers will want to spend money on items that make them feel good in 1994.'' * * * FLY A Continental Airlines jet that aborted its takeoff at New York's La Guardia airport recently, and stopped short of falling into Flushing Bay experienced a "runway excursion,'' announced the company.

Not to be confused with excursion fares offered by the airlines, we hope.